Magical Studies at Hogwarts

Both Harry and Horace were stunned, and Harry was even more surprised. She had only seen the tail end of the battle between Hermione and Ike in the Department of Mysteries, but now she had personally experienced the weird magic surrounding Hermione, and she felt like she was is different.

Horace was different from Harry. As a well-known potion master in the entire magical world, he had also taught countless outstanding students. He could certainly see the mystery of those golden threads and the magic circle under his feet.No matter which way you think about it, no matter where you look at it, this shouldn't be something that a wizard who hasn't graduated can do.

Besides, she is still underage!

Of course, he didn't know this. Hermione, who had used a time turner for several years, was technically an adult wizard.But even this is outrageous enough.

Not magic at all!

Hermione did not maintain the magic for too long. After making her attitude clear, she waved her hand and left.At this moment, there was a knock on the door outside the living room, and then Dumbledore walked in while wiping his hands.

This also woke up Horace and Harry, especially Horace, who seemed to be startled. He coughed unnaturally and said, "Oh, Albus, you're back. This It won’t take long, you have diarrhea?”

"No, I just flipped through Muggle magazines. Some of the contents are very interesting." Dumbledore replied with a smile, and then said to Harry and Hermione, "Okay, Harry and Hermione, we have disturbed Hora." It’s been a long time, it’s time to go.”

After hearing this, Harry and Hermione walked towards Dumbledore, but Horace was confused. He was a little confused about what Dumbledore was going to do.

"Are you leaving?" he asked in surprise.

"Yes." Dumbledore adjusted his cloak and said with a smile, "It's a pity that you refused to accept this job. I miss the time working with you very much."

"Ah...that's it, okay, I..."

"Goodbye, Horace. If you want to change your mind, you are always welcome at Hogwarts." Dumbledore waved, then turned and walked outside.

Harry and Hermione followed closely behind, but before they could walk out of the door, they heard a shout from behind: "Okay! okay! You win!"

"Albus, I agree!"

Dumbledore stopped and turned around, not forgetting to wink at Harry and Hermione.At this time, Horace had already chased him out and was leaning on the door frame to catch his breath.

"Are you willing to return to Hogwarts and work again?"

"Yes, yes." Horace seemed a little impatient, "Yes, I must be crazy..."

"Great!" Dumbledore smiled happily, "Then, let's meet when school starts on September [-]st."

"Okay, no problem... damn..."

They watched Horace mumble with great annoyance as he walked back to the living room. Soon there was a scream and several curses, mixed with the sound of something falling to the ground.

Harry still wanted to go back and see what happened to Horace, but Dumbledore pulled him out of the house with a smile.

Walking along the garden path, it was obvious that Dumbledore was in a very good mood, and he even hummed a song.

"Well done, Harry, and Hermione," he said.

"We didn't do anything." Harry was still a little confused when Dumbledore continued, "You have done a lot, and you let Horace see what he can get when he returns to Hogwarts. "

"Safety, Garen, and the glory he values ​​most."

"Glory?" Harry asked.

"Yes, glory." Dumbledore said, "Horace is a very lovely man. He likes material things and a luxurious life, but what he likes most is those who are outstanding, successful, and powerful. The compliments and respect people have for him.”

"When he was at Hogwarts, he would always pick his favorite students, but without exception, they were all excellent in one aspect. Maybe it was because of intelligence, or maybe because of talent or charm, plus He has a special talent, and he only looks at people who will succeed in all walks of life."

"What you don't know is that Horace created a club around himself, and the members are all his protégés. He lets them know each other and establish connections, and he always gets some benefits."

“Maybe it’s a bottle of really good mead, maybe it’s a game ticket, or maybe it’s the right to recommend people to a certain department.”

Hearing this, Harry's face darkened unconsciously.Dumbledore's words gave him a bad impression of the fat old man who was about to become his professor, and also reminded him of Ron's most hated creature.Like a spider, Horace spun a wide web to satisfy his various needs.

He thought about what Horace had said before in the living room. Although he said it without prejudice, there was still a hint of doubt in his words, as if it was impossible for a Muggle-born wizard like Hermione to get a tenth in the OLS exam. Two certificates and twelve o's.

This kind of prejudice reminded him of a person.

"Professor, this Huo..."

"It should be Professor Slughorn now, Harry." Dumbledore said with a smile, "I know what you want to ask. I am not saying this to make you wary of him, but I hope you can remain cautious. alert."

"He will definitely win you over, and you will definitely become a treasure in his 'collection'. The Boy Who Lived, the savior, and the talent that will make everyone stunned."

"I have to say Hermione, what you showed just now was awesome!" Dumbledore said, giving a thumbs up.

Hearing this, Hermione didn't react as much as Harry did. She just raised her head and looked at Dumbledore seriously, and asked softly: "Professor Dumbledore, do we need to do anything?"

"Nothing is needed, Hermione." Dumbledore replied seriously, "Just let everything take its course."

He looked at Hermione, who was still serious, and was silent for a long time. He couldn't help but shook his head and said, "Okay, I can tell you something, but you have to promise not to let anyone else know... Of course, like you A good friend can also know."

Dumbledore paused, as if he was organizing his words, and then continued: "You also know the current situation, and you have to admit that the strengths of the two sides are not equal."

"So, I need to close that gap as much as possible, and Horace is a key guy."

"I need to confirm one thing from him, get an answer, that's important."

"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Sorry, it's not the time yet." Dumbledore shook his head, "But I swear, you will know when the time is right."

As he spoke, he stretched out his left hand.

"Okay, now grab my arm, it's time to take you to the Burrow."

"It's already very late, and I don't want to hear Molly's complaints..."